How to Overcome Trust Problems in Relationships

Communication and respect is important when overcoming trust issues in a relationship.

Trust problems occur in a relationship for many reasons. Maybe your partner is becoming too insecure and this is causing clingy behavior on his part. Or you may struggle to repair your relationship after your girlfriend was unfaithful. But to overcome the trust problems, honest communication is essential, as well as humility and the willingness to correct the mistakes that were made and led to the rift between you.

Instructions

1. State what the issues are in the relationship. If you feel betrayed by your boyfriend after he lied to you about paying his half of the rent and you found out he quit his job, tell him that because of his actions you feel that you can no longer trust him. Or if you feel that your girlfriend will not admit that she's been stealing some of your checks to make purchases, mention that her behavior is causing you to question her trustworthiness.

2. Come up with solutions to the trust problems. For example, if your boyfriend doesn't trust you around his brothers because you wear excessively provocative clothing when you both hang out with his family, show more respect for him by dressing more modestly. Or if your girlfriend needs you to tell her when you're not able to keep certain appointments instead of going days without calling, apologize and let her know when you have to cancel dates.

3. If the problem is serious, seek help from a licensed counselor. During the sessions, both of you discuss what you feel are the root problems in the relationship and take notes of key pieces of advice that the counselor gives you. Finally, practice the steps you learned while in counseling.

References

• Web MD; Seven Relationship Problems and How to Solve Them; Carol Sorgen